Datia Man Bathes in Funeral Ashes, Takes Skull Home in Plastic Bag
A shocking incident unfolded in Datia, Madhya Pradesh, where a man allegedly bathed in the ashes of a funeral pyre and took the skull and bones of the deceased home in a plastic bag. This bizarre act triggered immediate outrage among local residents, leading to severe consequences for the man and his family.
Details of the Disturbing Cremation Incident
The case is linked to the death of 72-year-old Moolchand Kushwaha, a resident of Jhir ka Bagh. He died due to illness on January 14, and his last rites were performed the same evening at the local crematorium. According to police reports and family statements, Balli Kushwaha, a 40-year-old neighbor, was present during the cremation.
Balli allegedly returned to the crematorium around 11 pm that night. He is accused of disturbing the funeral pyre, scattering the burning wood and ashes. Witnesses claim he then bathed in the ashes and picked up the skull along with some bones of the deceased. He carried these remains home in a plastic bag and spent the night in a room with them.
Discovery and Confession
The next morning, when Moolchand's family arrived to collect the ashes for immersion, they found the pyre disturbed and the skull missing. Suspicion quickly fell on Balli after a shawl found at the crematorium was identified as belonging to him. Local councillor Kallu Kushwaha was informed, and Balli was called from his house.
Locals reported that Balli was still covered in ashes when he appeared. Upon questioning, he allegedly confessed to the act. Police were called to the scene and later recovered the skull and bones from his house, confirming the disturbing allegations.
Mob Violence and Social Boycott
The incident sparked intense anger throughout the locality. According to Balli's nephew, Rajkumar Kushwaha, residents subjected him to inhuman treatment. He was allegedly beaten severely, forced to consume sewage water and filth, and paraded through the neighborhood wearing a garland of slippers.
A community panchayat was subsequently convened to address the matter. The panchayat decided to socially boycott Balli and his entire family. They passed a resolution stating that anyone who maintains contact with or speaks to Balli or his family members would face a fine of Rs 5100. Several senior members of the community reportedly signed this resolution, formalizing the boycott.
Background and Possible Motivations
Family members revealed that Balli had been under severe mental stress for some time. He married about twenty years ago but had no surviving children. Two children from his second marriage reportedly died, and his second wife later left him. The family alleged that Balli struggles with alcoholism and had been influenced by superstition.
According to statements from both Balli's family and the deceased's brother, Maniram Kushwaha, Balli claimed that a baba had advised him to roll in cremation ashes. He believed this act might help him have children, explaining his disturbing behavior at the funeral pyre.
The case highlights extreme reactions to perceived violations of cultural norms, with both the initial act and the subsequent community response raising serious concerns about mental health and mob justice in rural areas.
